New tracker helps keep an eye on your horse

A satellite tracker that lets you know if your horse has strayed from its field could be on the market by the spring.

The TRAAKit device, attached to a rug or headcollar, allows you to programme boundaries in which your horse should stay and alerts you by phone or computer if it leaves.

Inventor David Clayton released a similar product for other valuable possessions, such as iPods or TVs, last month.

He said the idea for horses was inspired by reading of a horse being killed on the road after a field gate was stolen.

“We aim to develop a tracker that can be worn by a horse by spring,” said Mr Clayton. “It needs to be robust to cope with mud and being rolled on.”

Although there are similar products, the £247.50 TRAAKit has a battery life of up to a month.

Garry Porter, from Thames Valley Horsewatch, said although trackers are useful, the cons are cost and battery life.

“The TRAAKit seems to have significant battery life, which is great,” he said. “But I am still waiting for someone to produce one for £100.”

• Visit www.traakit.co.uk

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (18 December, ’08)

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